Jurgen Klopp impressed with three Atletico players vs Liverpool

Liverpool’s defence of their Champions League crown was brought to an end following Atletico Madrid’s 3-2 (AET) victory at Anfield on Wednesday – and Jurgen Klopp has specifically lauded three of Diego Simeone’s players.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Marcos Llorente of Atletico Madrid celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid at Anfield on March 11, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The Reds won the tie in normal to time through Georginio Wijnaldum’s first-half header before Roberto Firmino handed his team the ascendancy with his first Anfield goal of the season five minutes into extra time.

Liverpool were in total control before goalkeeper Adrian made a costly error after gifting Atletico possession before Marcos Llorente punished the hosts with the crucial away goal.

The former Real Madrid prodigy then scored another to completely turn the tie on its head before Alvaro Morata completed the comeback to break Liverpool hearts.

After the match, Klopp credited his team’s spirited performance and revealed that the missed chances in normal time ultimately cost the team.

The German manager did also credit three Atletico players whom Klopp deemed as ‘outstanding’.

Speaking with BT Sport, he said: “When I see players like Koke, saul, Llorente, the players they had, they can play proper football.”

“They stay deep in their own half and have counter-attacks. They beat us, that’s how it is and we have to accept that”.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) head coach Juergen Klopp of Liverpool FC looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid at Anfield on March 11, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Max Maiwald/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

What RTK has to say

A cruel blow considering how well Liverpool played for 90 minutes and how Klopp’s team approached the task at hand.

Somehow Simeone’s side survived a second-half onslaught from the rampant Reds.

Jan Oblak was absolutely magnificent and was ultimately the hero on the night.

To Atletico’s credit, they are blessed with an array of talent and a manager who tactically is one of the best of his time.

We may be out of Europe, but this isn’t the time for doom and gloom. The team gave everything and we’ve had champagne on ice for the past 30 years so there will still be plenty to celebrate come May.

Stroud born sports journalist from the south. Has covered the Reds home and away from the press-box and has had work published for the Liverpool ECHO.
Still playing the beautiful game in England’s ninth tier who compares himself to a less good version of Joel Matip. Madrid 19 still remains the best night of his life.